AT91SAM 32-bit ARM-based Microcontrollers - Overview

The AT91SAM Flash MCUs start with Flash memory densities of 16k Bytes, migrating up to 512k Bytes and operate at up to 200 MHz. The SAM7X512 has 128k Bytes of SRAM to provide the space required for a high quality of service Ethernet connection. A coherent set of peripherals facilitates reuse of software over the complete family. The utilization of DMA channels on the majority of peripherals optimizes the on-chip bus usage, freeing the processor for the application and increasing peripheral data transfer rates. An ultra-low power family of SAM7L microcontrollers uses power islands, supply switches and programmable on-chip voltage regulators to scale functionality and power consumption down to 100nA in the OFF mode. On-chip RC oscillators speed up the resume to full functionality process. The next generation SAM3-series will in addition benefit from the better MIPS/Watt ratio, shorter interrupt latency and improved ease of use of the ARM Cortex-M3 processor.

The AT91SAM Embedded MPUs are ARM926-based with operating frequencies up to 400 MHz. The next generation 600 MHz+ ARM11 MPUs is confirmed in the roadmap. The careful balance of on- and off-chip memory, multiple on- and off-chip busses and DMA for data transfer, release the CPU performance without a need to push up the clock frequency, lowering the overall system complexity and power consumption. The on-chip ROM contains a first level boot, enabling system boot from DataFlash, NAND Flash and SDCard in addition to the classic boot from NOR Flash memory. Different cost/performance points and scalable third party middleware products enable smart user interface technologies designed for multi-media players and cell phones to be deployed on embedded applications.